Food & shopping in Sweden - What you should definitely try in the supermarket

Anyone standing in a Swedish supermarket for the first time will quickly realise: Things are different here than in Germany. Between huge packs of Köttbullar, tubed cheese and a seemingly endless selection of cinnamon buns, there is a lot to discover. But what is really worth buying, what tastes really good and where can you even save money when shopping in Sweden? Here's your ultimate guide!

Supermarkets in Sweden - Where to shop?

The largest supermarket chains in Sweden are:

• ICA - The classic, available everywhere, from small village shops to huge ICA Maxi branches.
• Willys - Discounter with good prices, particularly suitable for larger purchases.
• Coop - Similar to ICA, but often with a stronger focus on organic products.
• Hemköp - Mid-range supermarket with a solid selection.
• Lidl - The German alternative with many well-known products and often the most favourable prices.

Tip: If you want to save money, you should get the loyalty card apps from ICA or Coop - they're free and often offer discounts.

Swedish specialities you should try

Swedish supermarkets offer some products that are not available in Germany - and that you should definitely try!

1. köttbullar & co - the centrepiece of Swedish cuisine

Yes, the famous Swedish meatballs are available everywhere - frozen or fresh. But they taste much better with the typical lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes. If you prefer something more traditional, buy "Pytt i Panna"a savoury pan-fried dish with diced potatoes, bacon and onions.

2. crispbread - more than just a dry snack

Swedes love crispbread - in all its variations. From classic thin to extra thick, with grains, rye or even caramel flavour. The best known is probably "Wasa"but brands like "Leksands Knäckebröd" have the really traditional varieties.

3. tube cheese - cheese from a tube? Yes, it does exist!

What sounds strange at first is a breakfast classic in Sweden: "Kalle's caviar"a mixture of fish roe and cream cheese that belongs on crispbread or egg. If you prefer the classic style, you can also find cheddar, bacon cheese and even shrimp cheese in a tube.

4. fika classics: cinnamon buns & co.

The Swedes love their Fikathe traditional coffee break - and that includes sweet pastries. In addition to the famous Kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) are also available "Semlor" (filled yeast rolls with cream) or the dark, sweet chocolate balls "Chokladbollar".

5. surströmming - the stinking adventure

Okay, this is not for the faint-hearted: Surströmming is fermented herring that smells so strong that it's better to open it outside. Want to try it? Only if you're really brave.

How much does shopping cost in Sweden?

Sweden is known for its slightly higher food prices - especially for alcohol, meat and cheese. Here are some price examples:

• Milk (1 litre) - approx. €1.50
• Bread - approx. 2-3 €
• Cheese (1 kg) - approx. 10-12 €
• Minced meat (1 kg) - approx. 10-12 €
• Beer (0.5 litre, in the supermarket) - approx. € 2.50

Tip: Alcohol is only available in supermarkets up to a maximum of 3.5 %. You can only get stronger drinks in Systembolagetthe state-owned alcohol business.

Our conclusion: shopping in Sweden is fun!

Swedish supermarkets are a real experience - and with a little planning, you can also find some real culinary highlights. If you try crispbread, tube cheese and cinnamon buns, you'll take a piece of that real Swedish feeling home with you.

Have you ever shopped in Sweden? What are your favourite products? Write it in the comments!

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